Analysis: The reports by ESPN and Albert Breer saying there could be mutual interest in an interview by the Bears with Pete Carroll opens up a whole new dimension of possibilities.

On Christmas Day, a bombshell report emerged indicating that former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is interested in the Chicago Bears’ vacancy. Interestingly enough, the Bears are playing the Seahawks on a special Boxing Day edition of Thursday Night Football in Week 17. Carroll would be an interesting fit in Chicago.

The timing might not be right for a 73-year-old defensive-minded coach. But Carroll’s candidacy is a reminder of how much the Bears need someone like him — an energetic, aggressive personality who would shake things up at Halas Hall.